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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110223 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA SPECIAL MEETING Date: February 23, 2011 Convened: 10:00 a.m. Recessed: 11:30 a.m. Re-convened: 3:00 p.m. Adjourned: 4:05 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chairman, Chris Craft, Chris Dzadovsky. Paula A. Lewis, Frannie Hutchinson, Tod Mowery Others Present: Faye Outlaw, County Administrator, Lee Ann Lowery, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Marie Gouin OMB Director, Michael Brillhart, Business and Concurrency Manager, Richard Bouchard, Erosion Manager, Paul Williams, City of Ft. Pierce, Greg Burns, Washington Lobbyist, Van Scoyoc Associates, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk The Chairman called the Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioner to order. Opening remarks were made by the County Administrator where she turned the floor over to the Washington Lobbyist, Mr. Greg Burns with Van Scoyoc Associates. Mr. Burns, Washington Lobbyist reviewed the Federal Legislative Briefing Book provided to the Board which provides a summary of the legislative issues identified by staff for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Burns stated things have changed in Washington, earmarks have been eliminated. In the past two years we were in the stimulus mode and with the new Congress they are looking to rescind the stimulus proposals. FEDERAL ISSUE: Ft. Pierce Beach Project and St. Lucie County Feasibility Study BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: The Federal government and St. Lucie County have long partnered on the Ft. Pierce shore protection project and the St. Lucie County shoreline feasibility study. With the earmark ban in Congress, Federal funding for both projects, which in the past generally survived on Congressional earmarks, has become more difficult to obtain. Further complicating matters, Congress has not yet provided the Corps with the flexibility it needs to effectively and efficiently manage the nation’s water resource needs. Making matters even more difficult, the erosion situation at Fort Pierce beach has become perilous and action is needed almost immediately to prevent significant damage to both public and private infrastructure. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support the re-nourishment of the Ft. Pierce, FL Federal shore protection project in Fiscal Year 2012 and continued funding of the St. Lucie County feasibility study, which is evaluating erosion along the southern shoreline of the County. More specifically: ? Support post March 4 Fiscal Year 2011 and Fiscal Year 2012 Federal appropriations measure that allow the Corps of engineers to develop and effective and efficient internal “work plan” that receives the approval of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee. ? Support the Corps’ internal programming of $350,000 (as provided in the Fiscal Year 2011 Administration budget and both Energy & Water Appropriations bills) after March 4, 2011 for completion of planning activities by the Corps in preparation for future nourishment of the Ft. Piece, FL project. 1 ? Support the Corps’ internal programming of $5 million in Fiscal Year 2012 Federal funding for the beach re-nourishment of the Ft. Pierce, FL project. ? Support the Corps’ internal programming of necessary Fiscal Year 2012 Federal funding for the continuation of the St. Lucie County feasibility study. Mr. Burns indicated to the Board they are trying to encourage the Corp to provide the funding for this project. He stated right now the Corps hands are a bit tied due to the situation. FEDERAL ISSUE: Transportation Authorization BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: Reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs was supposed to have occurred before the end of Fiscal Year 2009, but Congress failed to meet that deadline. Since then, Congress has continued transportation programs via short-term authorizations. The most difficult issue to be considered during reauthorization is how to finance it. The highway trust fund and the revenue sources that feed it have been a reliable mechanism for financing highway and transit programs for five decades, but no more. Almost all transportation industry observers see a need for a larger Fede4ral contribution to national infrastructure creation in the years ahead. Fuel taxes, which provide most of the money for surface transportation, are unlikely to provide a solid long-term foundation for this desired growth, even if Congress were to raise them modestly. The choice then becomes finding new sources of income for an expanded program, or alternately, to settle for a smaller program that might look very different than the one currently in place. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support passage of a multi-year transportation authorization bill. Monitor potential increase in gas taxes or other funding options to replenish the Highway Trust Fund and support infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Support opportunities to secure funding for St. Lucie County priorities via this legislation, including: ? $9 million for the widening of the Kings Highway and Orange Avenue intersection- (Total project cost estimate is $11,250,000. County has programmed $2,327,863 in its Five- Year Capital Budget for this project) th ? $13 million for the widening of Midway Road from South 25 St. to Selvitz Road and from Selvitz Road to Glades Cutoff Road- (Total project cost estimate is $28 million. County has programmed $14,727,240 in its Five Year Capital Budget for these projects). There is bipartisan support for having healthy infrastructure and providing more funding for it however there is no bipartisan support on how to pay for it. He believes Congress needs to have discussions in a pro-active manner. The Federal Gas tax is presently 18.3 cents per gallon and this is not sufficient anymore. Com. Hutchinson recommended requesting Florida receive a higher percentage. Mr. Burns stated that was a point and they could add this in, he believes an extra penny per gallon for Florida could make a big difference. He also stated he would push the Kings Highway project and the Midway Road project if he had the opportunity to do so. FEDERAL ISSUE: Water Resources Development Act BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: The Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Corps of Engineers to participate in Federal water resource projects such as the Fort Pierce shore protection project. The legislation also modifies Corps’ activities on particular projects and sets guidelines for how the Corps operates. Over the years, the County has taken the lead on advancing Federal studies and initiatives on some of its water resource projects in order to expedite their completion. This includes efforts 2 on the Ft. Pierce shore protection project related to slowing the rate of erosion south of the Ft. Pierce Inlet and also improving the Federal/local cost share of the project due to the impact of the Federal Inlet. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support passage of a Water Resources Development Act, including: ? Provide a $3.3 million credit to the County for costs incurred by the County for the Ft. Pierce, FL Federal beach project, including the General and Limited Reevaluation Reports ? Allow for the Ft. Pierce, FL General Reevaluation Report to be considered suitable for new project authorization, thereby allowing for the future construction of T-groins south of the FT. Pierce Federal Inlet in order to help reduce the frequency of future beach nourishment cycles. Mr. Burns addressed supporting language where it would be beneficial to the county and given the opportunity, also add language looking for credit for work being done by the county and also language to assist in getting the T-groins. The Erosion Manager stated they are hopeful they can get this approved in this manner so that the project may continue along. FEDERAL ISSUE: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: The Federal government and the State of Florida have long partnered on projects to help restore the Everglades, maintain flood protection, and provide a reliable water supply for Floridians. Among the many projects being implemented are several that impact St. Lucie County. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support the continuing implementation of all facets of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including: ? Continued Federal and State action on the Ten-Mile Creek project in St. Lucie County, including expedited completion of the Post Authorization Change Report ? Full Federal funding for the restoration of the Herbert Hoover Dike ? Full Federal funding for the construction of the C-44 Reservoir and associated storm water treatment areas ? The State purchase of the remaining 1300 acres of land needed for the C-24 Reservoir and storm water treatment area so the Corps of Engineers can proceed with construction of the C-23 and C-24 Reservoirs and storm water treatment project, which is part of the original Indian River Lagoon-South project. St. Lucie County supports this project through adoption of Resolution 10-158. Mr. Burns indicated these items have all been stressed as very important issues by St. Lucie County in the past. They have had a discussion in trying to deal with 10 mile creek. The Corps and the Water Management District are trying to find a way to fix it. He expects the Corps to give them an update this afternoon since it is an item on the agenda as well as an update on the C-23 and C-24. They need to maintain a long term focus on this and make sure they know the County maintains this issue as an important one. FEDERAL ISSUE: Ft. Pierce Inlet Maintenance Dredging BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: The Ft. Pierce harbor was last dredged by the Corps of Engineers in 1998. The inlet channel and interior turning basin are authorized for a depth of 28 feet, but are currently operating at depths as shallow as 18 and 20 feet, which limits the amount of traffic that can use the harbor. The necessary Federal permits that would allow the Corps to dredge the inlet expired in 2003. Federal funding of $500,000 (generally in 3 the form of an earmark) would allow the Corps to obtain the proper permits. The County would then need to see additional Federal funding for the dredging of the inlet. Currently, the harbor cannot handle the traffic that would like to use the facilities for shipping. According to the Indian River Terminal, ships are turned away because of the low access depths. The port now regularly turns away trade by ships that require 22-25 feet of draft. That means the Port of Fort Pierce loses, under current conditions, $2 to 3 million in trade per year due to the lack of maintenance dredging of the channel. Recent proposals to import aggregates that meet new standards for construction materials set by State and Federal agencies cannot be accommodated by the Port because the larger vessels needed for efficient transportation of products require up to 25 feet of draft. At least half a dozen prospects have inquired to use Fort Pierce for this purpose. It is estimated that local services businesses lose $300,000 to $450,000 and special transport and commodity providers such as cranes, heavy duty trucks, and the railroad lose as much as $3 to 4.5 million per year in business. The shipping customers also face losses because other ports impose greater costs and less efficiency than the Fort Pierce harbor. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support efforts to provide Federal funding for the reacquisition of Federal permits that will allow for the maintenance dredging of the Ft. Pierce inlet. Mr. Burns indicated before they can do any maintenance dredging they would need to get the permits back. It will be very difficult to obtain the funds needed to obtain the permits. The Corps prioritizes on current activity and tonnage. This will be discussed this afternoon and one item will be are we providing the proper information to the Corps. The Corps is indicating we have zero activity and this is not accurate. The Erosion Manager advised the Board there is a secondary benefit to the dredging and that is the material is used for the beach area towards the South of the County. Com. Craft addressed the Little Jim Bridge and asked if this could be included in the request, there are three boat ramps that are affected. The Mosquito Control Director indicated there is some federal ownership around the port area but Little Jim is mostly state. There is potentially FIND money available in grants. Mr. Burns stated the problem is timing and it would take at least a year to obtain the permits and the question would be how to obtain the funds for the permits. He believes it may be best to work on it for the next time. The County Administrator stated last year when they had a conference call with the Corps she believed it was $350,000. The Corps indicated they were asking to see if the County could front the funds for the renewal of their permits and they would reimburse the county in time period. However the time was undesignated. She believes this is indicative of the hardship they would have to get funding for the renewal of their own permits. FEDERAL ISSUE: Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Bill BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: The last long-term authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration expired in 2007. Since then, 16 short-term extensions have been passed to extend the law that funds and guides the FAA. The lack of a long-term authorization not only means delays to updating the way the FAA and airports operate, but it also makes securing funding from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program more difficult and cumbersome, thereby impacting projects such as St. Lucie County’s Taxiway A and B rehabilitation. In December, the St. Lucie County Airport submitted a pre-application to the FAA’s Orlando office for roughly $3.5 million in Federal funding for the rehabilitation of Taxiways A and B. In April or May, the Airport will be notified as to whether to submit a full application for funding. 4 The lack of a long-term authorization of the FAA is making it more difficult to secure this and other important airport grants. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support authorization at current levels for aviation program, including the Airport Improvement Program. Support County grant proposals through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, including: ? $3.5 million in Federal funding for the rehabilitation of Taxiways A and B. Mr. Burns indicated one thing they would want is for Congress to pass a long term authorization. There presently is an application for Taxiway A and B and they should know about this in April or May. Com. Dzadovsky addressed the increase in traffic since the runway overlay. He believes this could boaster their argument to obtain funding for the taxiways. Com. Craft addressed the water treatment plant and the proximity to a few neighbors and he stated he spoke to people in Orlando regarding the swapping of land and they stated they could not do this and recommended the issue be taken up with Washington. The Airport Manager stated they would not commit until they see a site plan. There are two bills passed, the Senate passed and the House in still pending in committee. Presently the House and the Senate are not in agreement with this issue and this is a reflection of new reality to reduce spending. Mr. Burns requested a consensus on the first six issues discussed. It was the consensus of the Board to agree with the first six on- going issues listed. NEW ISSUES: FEDERAL ISSUE: Water Quality- Numeric Nutrient Criteria and Total Maximum Daily Loads BACKGROUND: How it may affect St. Lucie County: Pursuant to a January 2009 Clean Water Act determination and a consent decree with Florida Wildlife Federation to settle a 2008 lawsuit, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and lowing waters in Florida in January 2010, and established final standards in November 2010. The final standards set numeric limits, or criteria, on the amount of nutrient pollution allowed in Florida’s lakes, rivers, streams and springs. This final action seeks to improve water quality, protect public health, aquatic life and the long term recreational uses of Florida’s waters which are a critical part of the State’s economy. However, these standards also may come at a considerable cost. The rule will take effect on March 6, 2012 except for the site-specific alternative criteria (SSAC) provision, which is effective February 4, 2011. EPA extended the effective date for the rule for 15 months to allow cities, towns, businesses and other stakeholders as well as the State of Florida a full opportunity to review the standards and develop flexible strategies for implementation. The EPA also committed to propose numeric nutrient water quality standards for Florida’s estuarine coastal and southern inland flowing waters by November 14, 2011 and establish final standards by August 15, 2012. RECOMMENDED POSITION: Support a “science-based numeric nutrient” criteria for Florida’s waters. Encourage the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to insure that any rule making to promulgate new nutrient criteria is based upon a correlated cause and effect relationships between nutrients and biological impairment, is ecumenical and technically feasible, achieves 5 environmental benefits, takes in to account existing State water quality and water supply programs, and includes meaningful stake holder participation. He believes this may go to the courts. Mr. Burns indicated a house bill without amendments is not a good thing for St. Lucie County. He highlighted a few things that would not be good for the county. He addressed the proposed letter drafted to be sent to Senator Nelson from Chairman Craft. It was the consensus of the Board to change the term “will need” to “would” in the letter. The letter read as follows: The Honorable Bill Nelson 716 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Nelson, With Congress in the midst of considering how to fund the government after the current Continuing Resolution expires on March4, we are concerned with a number of items in the House-proposed spending bill for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. Before I let you know of our specific concerns, let me first applaud the Federal government’s recent focus on fiscal responsibility. As you know, St. Lucie County and local governments all across the country have had to make, and are continuing to make, hard decisions every day regarding what programs and projects are most important to fund. With declining revenues that continue to sag, we have made the cuts necessary to pass balanced budgets every year. However, while it is prudent to focus on the Federal deficit and debt, it is unreasonable to assume that the Federal deficit can be reduced by relying solely on cuts to non-defense discretionary funding. Instead of taking a piecemeal approach to deficit reduction that has minimal effect on our debt yet may significantly impact our burgeoning economic recovery, please consider a broader, more holistic approach that impact all constituencies and protects our economic growth. The impact of the cuts proposed by the House is significant. From potentially damaging our nascent economic recovery to affecting the truly disadvantaged, these cuts will harm our constituents. Among the proposed reductions, I would like to highlight a few that will directly impact St. Lucie county and our residents. They include: ? The $441 million reduction in funding for the Corps of Engineers Construction General account, a decrease of more than 20 percent. This account would fund the Fort Pierce shore protection project. ? The eradication of funding for high speed rail infrastructure in Fiscal Year 2010 and Fiscal Year 2011. While neither of these programs would likely fund the expansion of passenger service on the Florida East Coast Railway, we support grater investments in passenger rail. ? And, the cuts to a variety of Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Justice grant programs which will sharply reduce our ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies and crime. Finally, regardless of how much funding Congress provides to the Corps of Engineers for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 and for Fiscal Year 2012, please do not pass appropriations legislation that limits their ability to develop a flexible and aggressive “work plan,” as they did in Fiscal Year 2007 and with their ARRA funding. It is imperative that if Congress does not specifically dictate to the Corps how to spend their available funding, that the Corps be able to internally prioritize projects based on their understanding of our water resource challenges. This is vitally important so we may continue to work with the Corps on the Fort Pierce shore 6 protection project, which is currently eroded to such a significant state as to greatly threaten public infrastructure. Again, we understand the challenge our nation faces and are willing to accept our fair share of reasonable spending reductions in support of the greater good. But, when the burden is placed solely on one aspect of Federal spending, these cuts will do more harm than good. Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you on these and other issues in the future. Sincerely, Mr. Burns stated there was an amendment to restore funds for the EDA and they are seeking funding for the Research and Education Park. Mr. Rooney voted against restoring the EDA funding. Mr. Hastings did support restoring the funding and he is glad they did restore some funding. Com. Mowery addressed the third bullet point and it being what he felt was “generic” and recommended being more specific. He believed the language was vague. Mr. Burns stated they could get more specific in that area. FEDERAL ISSUE: St. Lucie County Community Transit- Support legislation allowing St. Lucie Community Transit to use up to 50 percent of the county’s Federal Section 5307 funding for transit operations. If the county lost the ability to fund 50 % of transit operations, the county would lose routes as well as personnel. FEDERAL ISSUE: Florida East Coast Railway- Support efforts to reinstate passenger service on the Florida East Coast railroad corridor, including a station in Ft. Pierce. Mr. Burns believes they have very strong bipartisan support. It’s only a matter of when it will happen. FEDERAL ISSUE: Transient Occupancy Taxes- Oppose legislation that would exempt Internet travel brokers from paying taxes on the full room rate paid by the consumer, thereby costing St. Lucie County and its political subdivisions the opportunity to collect the appropriate Transient Occupancy Taxes from visitors to the region. FEDERAL ISSUE: Economic Development Administration- Support continued funding of the Economic Development Administration. Support St. Lucie County EDA grant applications, including ? $1,009,890 for the Treasure Coast Research Park ISSUES TO MONITOR Off Shore Energy Exploration- Monitor the potential expansion of off shores energy exploration in Florida’s Federal Waters. Public Pension Reform- Monitor the Public Employee Pension Transparency Act, which would significantly impact the Florida Retire System. Com. Craft stated he felt they needed to make a decision on which items to highlight. Mr. Burns stated they need to maintain flexibility and there still are several weeks before going to Washington. 7 The County Administrator stated the Board will not have the opportunity to meet before going to Washington. Com. Craft stated he would be taking the Lobbyists recommendations. The County Attorney recommended having a meeting prior in order to identify what they will be discussing in Washington. Mr. Burns stated all they will be talking about is in the briefing book. The County Attorney recommended approving the briefing book and stated he would be coming around to each Commissioner to discuss what they can and cannot do should they decide to meet before going to Washington. The County Administrator advised the Board this meeting was advertised as a Special Meeting not as an informal so that the Board could take action if they so desired. It was moved by Com. Dzadovsky, seconded by Com. Hutchinson to approve the legislative items as presented by the Lobbyist, as well as the letter with the corrections as recommended, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Com. Dzadovsky to recess the meeting until after the next meeting has concluded. Recess: 11:36 a.m. Reconvened: 3:00 p.m. DISCUSSION ON THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET The Business and Concurrency Manager provided the following memorandum to the Board of County Commissioners indicating the Governor’s proposed State budget for FY 11/12. th On February 7, Governor Rich Scott unveiled his proposed budget for FY 11/12. This $65.9 billion budget represents a 6.9% ($4.6 billion) decrease from the adopted current fiscal year budget of $70.5 billion. The Governor is also proposing a 2 year budget process that identifies a spending plan for the next two years. The annual budget presented by the Governor reflects the expenditures recommended for the next fiscal year as required for review by the Legislature 30 days prior to the start of the annual Legislative Session. This budget was drafted as a recommendation for each State agency’s total expenditure level. More detailed and specific operational and capital line items for each State agency are developed during the Legislative Session as the House and Senate hold public meetings and work directly with State agency leaders and citizens to prepare their perspective recommended appropriations. The Florida House and Senate will then each pass a budget referred to as a general appropriation bill. A joint conference appropriations committee resolves differences between the two appropriations bills and prepares a General Appropriations Act for review and final action by th the Governor. Once the Governor signs the General Appropriations Act by June 30, the st statewide budget for the next fiscal year beginning on July 1 is established. An overview of the Governor’s proposed budget together with items of concern, include the following: 8 General Budget Proposals 1. A proposal to reduce the state workforce by approximately 8,700 employees over a two year timeframe. This would include termination of 6,700 current employees and elimination of 2,000 positions that are currently vacant. Staffing level and expenditure reductions for state services and operations within St. Lucie County are anticipated to impact the following: corrections, health, juvenile justice and justice administration, veterans’ affairs and transportation. 2.A reduction in the corporate income tax rate on an incremental basis from 5.5% to 3% by the year 2014. The Governor is also proposing to incrementally reduce the tax rate thereafter to 0.00%. To eliminate the corporate tax altogether would require a constitutional amendment. 3.Reorganizing the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) to vastly incorporate private sector business and corporate involvement on the OTTED Board of Directors and provide additional involvement in State job creation and expansion efforts. 4.A recommendation that state and local government workers contribute 5% of their salaries into their pension funds administered through the Florida Retire System (FRS) as a means of offsetting $2.5 million of anticipated FRS liabilities. Preliminary indications are that state legislators will consider and recommend a lower initial employee contribution rate than 5% and then allow for incremental increases thereafter. 5.Reducing local government revenue sharing based upon savings anticipated from pension reform. SPECIFIC BUDGET ITEM PROPOSALS 6.A $3.3 billion cut in educational spending for the fiscal year. This would represent a 10% reduction in “per student” spending for the St. Lucie County School District. This cut is being recommended by the Governor as part of a Required Local Effort (RLE) $1.1 billion property tax reduction. 7.A reduction in Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Funding from $50million to $17 million. 8.The reorganization of OTTED also includes a budget proposal that would provide the Governor’s Executive Office with $900 million in economic development discretionary funds over a two year budget period to support business relocation and expansion within Florida. It should be noted that any budget reductions or changes to pension contributions would have to be approved by the full legislature in March. Both the Florida Senate President and the House Speaker have stated publically that the cuts presented in the Governor’s Budget proposal are much higher (more dramatic) than cuts being discussed among each bodies Appropriations Committees and will be difficult to meet during the 2011 Session. The County Administrator addressed the Governor’s Budget and stated they have outlined the process of which the budget would be adopted. The Business and Concurrency Manager addressed the budget process. Com. Craft asked if he felt there may be a state government shut down should the budget issues not be resolved. The Business and Concurrency Manager stated he believed it is different unlike the Federal Government, the State must have a balanced budget by statute that would be implementable st by July 1. 9 The County Administrator stated she believed in the end they will do what their constitutional requirement is and that is to have a budget adopted. The Business and Concurrency Manager stated he was not sure to what level the reduction in staff would have on our social services. Com. Craft expressed his concerns with the juvenile justice cost share for those facilities. He stated 80% of the inmates are waiting trials and the judges cannot process the cases quickly due to staff reductions. This will have an impact on the jail population and costs. Com. Hutchinson stated the only thing they can do at this time are to monitor what affect these issues will have on our county. She would like to encourage our delegation to keep the figures at the status quo of today. Com. Craft recommended the Criminal Justice Coordinator provide an analysis of the inmate population and the effects it will have to the county. Com. Lewis recommended putting together a list of their major concerns and why the Board is opposed to these proposals and take the information to Tallahassee next month. The Business and Concurrency Manager addressed the listed items. He addressed the 5% employee contribution to the FRS plan. There is a proposed Senate Bill being drafted talking about less than the 5% figure possibly to a 1 or 1.5 % then working its way up to 5%. Also this will have an impact on the revenue sharing the county receives. Com. Mowery stated this is a push to not have a defined benefit but to have a contribution made by the employees. It is still the FRS system however it will not have a defined pension benefit. Com. Dzadovsky addressed the losses sustained by those who previously had 401K’s in the past. Com. Craft stated it would be a net zero affect for the county, however there is a direct cost to the employees. Com. Dzadovsky stated his concern was with the employee making a low wage and 5% could mean whether or not he/she could afford their medications for example. The County Administrator addressed the revenue sharing and the fact that there are debt services paid with these funds. Com. Mowery stated if they change the actuarial, then they may come back and state we are underfunded and we may have to pay more into the fund along with the 5% the employees contribute. The County Administrator stated this could be a financial impact to the county. The Business and Concurrency Manager reviewed the$3.3 billion cut in educational spending which could really impact St. Lucie County’s School District. He provided information on the reduction of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Funding from $50 million to $17 million. Com. Craft requested information on what the effect would be of the proposed cuts on Medicaid or eliminating this program through the state. The Business and Concurrency Manager indicated the cuts would affect the individual a lot more although he is not sure of the impact it would have on the county. There are two changes proposed, the transportation disadvantaged would have an impact and indigent care with a cap. They are still working out the numbers. 10 Com. Hutchinson stated it would affect those with mental illness and the jail population. The Business and Concurrency Manager indicated as of yesterday they had heard the Governor is proposing the phase out of the Medicaid program. He stated we still do not know the ramifications of these items. Com. Craft stated he would like to start addressing these issues immediately and not wait until the House and Senate decides, they need to show the Governor the impacts this would have on the county. It is important to take a strong position on these issues and they may need to re-hire the state lobbyist. Com. Hutchinson stated the Board may need to have daily representation in Tallahassee this year. Com. Craft recommended directing staff to bring back the numbers regarding the possibility of re-hiring the state lobbyist. Com. Hutchinson stated she was not sure this was the way to go. Com. Craft stated this is the most critical year they have faced with the state budget. The County Administrator recommended researching the options and brings them back to the Board. Com. Hutchinson concurred and maybe partner with the cities and the School Board. The County Administrator stated she is not sure she can get them on board in such a short time period before the budget is approved, but she will reach out to them and see how they are handling the issue. Com. Mowery pointed out that every entity has diverse needs. The County Administrator stated she would also request the Criminal Justice Coordinator develop a report on the impact these issues would have. The Board requested projections out to 5% with regard to the FRS pension plan. The Erosion Manager advised the Board they have some funds for the projects but are hoping to receive federal funding. The County Administrator advised the Board the upcoming budget sessions for the county will be difficult ones. What the state does impacts us and it will make their jobs much more difficult. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _________________________ Chairman ___________________________ Clerk of the Circuit Court 11 12